A plan to convert a four-bed flat and a basement space above and below a shop in a listed building has been turned down.

Planning officers at Swindon Borough Council have refused permission to the developer Mr Islam who wanted to use the basement of 37 High Street in Highworth and the two floors above the ground floor shop, to create a shared HMO for six people.

His plans showed the basement would have two bedrooms, one with an en suite toilet and shower room, constructed in it, while behind the barber shop on the first floor and another bedroom, also en suite would be sited, as well as a galley kitchen and additional shower room and lavatory for the use of those living on the ground and basement floors.

The first floor would have two rooms, both en suite and another kitchen constructed while the second floor would hold one bedroom and a separate shower and lavatory.

Mr Islam’s application said: “The works proposed relate to internal alterations required to facilitate the change of use of the existing flat accommodation to a six person HMO.

“No external works are proposed.

“Internally, it is proposed to retain the existing retail unit at ground floor level. The existing basement storage area would be converted to provide two bedrooms. This would result in the existing light wells at the front and rear being reopened and grill installed.

"No external changes are proposed. The installation of modern partitioning to create a segregated bathrooms and en-suites would be fully reversible and would not impact upon historic fabric and as such no harm would result.”

Indeed, Mr Islam said the work would restore the Grade II-listed building to some of its former function.

He said: “The reopening of the existing light wells will return the basement level to its historic function as a naturally lit part of the building thereby retaining its historic function and character.

“The proposals have been designed to minimise the impact on historic fabric while improving the habitable accommodation and retaining the ground floor commercial use.

But not everyone agreed. Highworth Town Council said it recommended refusal but could be “minded to recommend approval” if there was a positive report from the conservation officer at Swindon Borough Council.

But the conservation officer wrote: “The proposed alterations do not fully to demonstrate a full appreciation for the listed building’s special interest, nor provide sufficiently clear and convincing justification to outweigh the likely resulting harmful effect upon special interest of the listed building.

“I conclude that the proposed alterations as presently indicated would negatively affect the character of a building of special architectural or historic interest.“